2019–presentReputable sourceWell documented
COVID-19
On the timeline · around 2019–present · The Modern Age
What happened
A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019 and spread around the world within months. In March 2020 the WHO declared a pandemic; societies locked down, and the disease killed millions. In a historic scientific feat, safe and effective vaccines — including new mRNA vaccines — were developed and deployed within a year.
Why it matters
COVID-19 was the first global pandemic of the hyper-connected 21st century, upending economies and daily life worldwide. Its rapid vaccine development marked a new era in the age-old struggle between humanity and infectious disease.